Why there is only one Premier League game this Sunday with Man United in sole fixture after Arsenal request

Dec 21, 2025 - 09:30

Premier League fans were treated to a bumper Saturday of action this weekend, but the fun comes at a cost…

The busy Saturday, which included eight games, is being followed by a Sunday that only has one fixture scheduled.

Casemiro and Man United celebrate goal — Man United are playing in the only game scheduled for Sunday

Typically, Sundays see two Premier League matches played, with one kicking off at 2pm and the other at 4:30pm.

A lot of the time, there are even multiple games played at 2pm, just like last weekend, when four fixtures took place in that slot.

But it’s going from one extreme to the other for Premier League supporters, as there is a real lack of action this Sunday…

Why is there only one Premier League game this Sunday?

Aston Villa vs Manchester United is the only game scheduled for Sunday, with kick-off set for 4:30pm.

It means there is no 2pm top-flight match at all this weekend.

And this has occurred due to a special request made by Arsenal amid the chaotic domestic and European schedule.

The Gunners’ clash against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium was originally planned to take place in the 2pm slot, along with Crystal Palace‘s trip to face Leeds United.

However, due to the Carabao Cup quarter-final between Arsenal and Palace being switched, both clubs asked for their games this weekend to be moved a day earlier so they can have the required rest time.

Everton confirmed the switch to the Arsenal game in November, writing in their statement: “Everton’s pre-Christmas clash at home to Premier League leaders Arsenal has been moved to Saturday 20 December, and will now kick off at 8pm (GMT).

“The fixture at Hill Dickinson Stadium, which will remain live on Sky Sports, was initially pencilled in for Sunday 21 December at 2pm (GMT) but has been brought forward at the Gunners’ request due to their participation in the Carabao Cup fifth round on Tuesday 23 December.”

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner — Palace have also had their game moved alongside Arsenal

Arsenal beat Everton 1-0 last night while Palace lost 4-1 at Leeds.

Now, their Carabao Cup clash is being played a week later than other ties due to further scheduling chaos.

Palace drew 2-2 with KuPS in the Conference League last week, meaning they could not also play in the Carabao Cup and that has had a knock-on effect on their and the Gunners’ overall fixtures.

Arsenal’s statement

After the requested change was eventually made to the fixture schedule, Arsenal made a statement on the situation.

It read: “Playing two matches within a 48-hour period contravenes FIFA recommendations, which have established a consensus for a minimum of 72 hours’ rest between games.

“This recommendation is in place to protect player health and fitness. Recovery time between matches is especially important during busy periods of the season, such as December.”